FROM STAFF REPORTS

It’s hard to beat a team four times in one season.

The Oak Mountain High School boys’ soccer team provided proof last year in its fourth meeting with Vestavia Hills, and the Eagles provided another demonstration May 1 as the Eagles faced Hoover in an Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A playoff match after three consecutive 1-0 wins.

The playoff match went in favor of the streak, though, as the Eagles managed to stave off a determined Hoover attack to win 3-2.

After 20 minutes on its heels, Oak Mountain drew first blood against the run of play as Hayden Ellis’ nod completed Brandt Mace’s corner, providing a margin that would hold up through the half.

The Eagles opened the second half sluggishly and Hoover made them pay just two minutes into the half with a goal to tie the match at 1-1.

The Eagles were able to retake the lead in the 54th minute when Wes Sandlin found Chandler Stroupe with an open look in the penalty area. Stroupe crushed the shot, leaving the Hoover keeper with no chance, and elevated his team to a 2-1 lead.

Oak Mountain’s lead was once again short-lived, lasting a mere seven minutes before the Bucs netted the equalizer.

Fortunately for Oak Mountain, Tyler Aderholt’s expertly-placed free kick from 50 yards was flicked on by Stroupe and into the net to give the Eagles a go-ahead goal with 11 minutes left in the match.

Oak Mountain will host Huntsville in a Class 6A quarterfinal match May 5.